Freya
Restaurant · North End ·
Five-course tasting menu with vegan and vegetarian options
Five-course tasting menu with vegan and vegetarian options
"Freya is an upscale yet unpretentious restaurant that focuses solely on the tasting menu and prix-fixe experience. The tasting menu is a full event that includes nine courses and goes for $155 on the weekends. The five-course prix fixe is available throughout the week and costs $95 with options that accommodate some dietary restrictions as opposed to the tasting menu, which can’t be modified. The cuisine tends to be more vegetable-forward with dishes like Island Creek oysters accompanied with compressed melon, Michigan baby carrots charred with toasted pistachio, Michigan sweet corn agnolotti, and chocolate almond custard. The space feels very relaxed, with a minimal and elegant dining space with exposed brick and a host stand made of reclaimed wood, as well as an open kitchen where guests can witness the back-of-house crew at work." - Danny Palumbo
"Those in need of an excellent weeknight date destination can look to Freya, which offers one of the best dining options in the city — on nights when most restaurants are closed. This rotating five-course tasting menu starts with complimentary house-made bread and butter, along with a refreshing seasonally-inspired salad. Menu items have included an exquisitely seasoned roasted carrot, a mushroom ragu with almond cheese foam, and a savory duck bread pudding. Finish with divine desserts like the always classic chocolate mousse topped with a crispy feuilletine, accompanied with herb granita, set on a generous drizzle of balsamic caramel, and accented with raspberries. Wine and beverage pairings are available for an additional charge. Other impressive touches include birthday cards signed by the staff and a sweet treat wrapped and ready to take home. Looking for one of the best selections for nonalcoholic cocktails? Freya’s mocktail menu is designed by its adjoining bar, Dragonfly." - Serena Maria Daniels
"This restaurant-and-bar duo offers dinner and drinks in one building. Diners can experience a multi-course menu that may last several hours and highlights the bounty of each season, starting at $95 for a five-course option and $155 for the nine-course chef’s tasting route that features dishes that the kitchen is most excited about. The menu rotates with the seasons, and recent items have included Island Creek oysters accompanied with compressed melon, Michigan baby carrots charred with toasted pistachio, Michigan sweet corn agnolotti, and chocolate almond custard. The space feels very relaxed, with a minimal and elegant dining area that features exposed brick and a host stand made of reclaimed wood. An open kitchen allows diners to witness the kitchen team at work. One unexpected element: Diners can select songs to play while they eat, thanks to the restaurant’s robust collection of vinyls. Next door, the Dragonfly bar boasts a low-ABV menu along with a lineup of signature cocktails that changes regularly, as well as creative bar bites like duck tenders. The spot frequently opens up its space for up-and-coming chefs like the women of Fried Chicken & Caviar, who’ve hosted the Communion Sunday brunch pop-up experience featuring a curated drink menu, special food items, and an eclectic playlist. Vibe check: If you’re curious about Freya’s offerings but aren’t ready to commit to a full tasting menu experience, opt for the a la carte menu, a recent addition, available Tuesdays through Thursdays. A somewhat rare offering for an elegant night out on a weekday in the city." - Serena Maria Daniels
"While meat eaters and pescatarians are also welcome, vegans may also treat themselves to a fanciful vegan feast, put together by James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef in the Great Lakes, Doug Hewitt and the equally talented CDC, Pheobe Zimmerman. The multi-course tasting menu rotates frequently and typically can last several hours, so plan ahead and book accordingly on Tock." - Eater Staff
"A Detroit kitchen functioned as another of the on-location video backdrops for the 'Bvck of House' series, contributing to the project’s aesthetic of calm rapping set against busy, synchronized fine-dining service." - Adrian Spinelli